Train control means for toy electric trains



A rii 21, 1936 E. P. s. NEWMAN TRAIN CONTROL MEANS FOR TOY ELECTRIC TRAINBS Filed Jan. 24, 1955 Patented Apr. 21, 1936 U lTED STATES PATNT OFFICE TRAIN CONTROL MEANS FOR TOY ELECTRIC TRAINS 12 Claims.

This invention relates to train control means for toy electric trains, and particularly to train control means for toy electric train control systerns ofthat type'having the trackway provided with cross-overs or intersections.

One object of the invention is to providesimple, reliable and eificient means whereby the movement of one train'upon approaching an intersection will cut off the supply of current to a following train'or another train approaching the intersection "until the train first reaching the intersection has cleared the same.

Another object of the invention is to provide a train control or switch mechanism 'for the track systems of toy electric trains having a'retu'rn loop connected by a cross-over to main track rails wherebya train traveling in one direction on the main track and about to enter the return loop will open the'circuit to a following train and prevent the latter from entering the loop until the first- .named train has cleared the loop and passed back onto the main track in its reverse direction of travel.

Still another object of the invention is to'provide switch devices controlling the operation of trains whereby three or more trains may be operated upon a track system in such a manner as to automatically control the operation of the trains to prevent collisions at a cross-over or intersecting point.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a train control means which will operate in a manner to give the appearance of the trains being intellectually instead of mechanically controlled, so that the trains in their travel may be made to pass one another in an interesting and exciting way and as though intellectually controlled with calculation and judgment.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists of the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, hereinafter fully described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a plan view showing the application of the invention to an electric toy train trackway of substantially B-shaped type and showing a switch device as operated by a train traversing the short loop and to arrest the motion of a following train during the travel of the first-named-train through the loop.

Fig. 2 is a similar View showing the use of a second switch device to permit of the operation of three trains upon such a track system.

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of parts shown in Fig. 2.

Referring now more particularly to the embodiment of my invention as shown in Fig. 1, l designates a three-rail type of track system consisting of outside rails '2 and 3 and an intermediate third or power rail 1, said rails being arranged in the present instance in substantially 8-shaped formation to provide loops 5 and 6, the tracks of which are united at a crossing, cross-over or intersection point i. In the illustrated embodiment the loop 5 is relatively larger than the loop 6, being elongated or substantially in the form of an ellipse and constituting what may be the main line or loop of the trackway, while the relatively smaller loop is of substantially circular form and provides what maybe termed a return loop at one 'end'of the main trackway. The rails 2 and 3, either or both of them,"are connected by a conductor lead 8 to the negative side of a source of electrical energy, while the rail 4 is connected by I a conductor lead 9 to the positive side thereof. 1

The source of energy may be a storagebattery,

or as shown in the present instance, a power transformer l suitably connected in practice to a service line or other source of electric current.

Fig. 1 shows the system as adapted for the running of two trains in the direction of the arrows A in such manner that when one of the trains is, approaching the crossing 1 at the time a proceeding train is traversing the loop 6 the first-named 7 train will be stopped before it enters the crossing and its continued travel prevented until the second-named train has completely traversed the loop and has again entered the main line. As shown, a section I I of the power rail 4 in that branch of the main track on which a train travels in approaching the crossing is separated by air gaps or insulation at the points [2 and I3 from the remainder of the rail 4 to break the electrical current conducting connections at this point, or, in other words, to provide a power rail section II which is insulated or electrically disconnected from the remainder of the power rail. A switch device is provided for cutting on or off the supply of current to the rail section I I. This comprises a switch block or casing M having a contact l5 in conducting connection with the transformer lead 9 through a lead conductor l6 and having conducting connection with the rail l I through a conducting lead l1, and a pivoted switch member [8 which is movable into and out of engagement with the contact l5 to cut on or ofi the supply of cur-' rent from the source to and from the rail l I. The free end of this switch member I8 is arranged so as to be engaged by a trip member or any part of a train traveling in one direction or the other over the crossing I to effect its current cut off and supply actions.

In the operation of the structure disclosed in Fig. 1, in which it is assumed that two trains B and C are traveling in the direction of the arrows A along the track system, and in which train B is shown as traversing the return loop 6 While train C is on the main track and approaching the crossing I, it will be seen that the switch member 56 is shifted to cut out position, to which position it has been shifted by the train B on its passage over the crossing I and entrance into the loop 6. By this means the travel of the following train C is arrested as it approaches the crossing by the cut out action of the switch I8, thus preventing train C from entering the crossing as long as the switch I8 is in cut out position. As the train B completes its travel through the loop 6, however, and passes over the crossing I back to the main line, it engages and moves the switch member I8 back to closed position, thus again supplying current to the rail I I so that the train C will again start into action for travel over the crossing I into the loop 6. The parts may be so proportioned and the time period of cut in action of the switch I8 by the train B leaving the loop 5 and passing back into the main line may be such that the train C will be started in motion to begin its travel before train B has cleared the crossing and such that it will overcome its inertia and pick up speed sufiicient to enter and pass over the crossing just as the rear end of the train B clears the same. By this control action it will be seen that while any possibility of a collision occurring at the crossing point between the trains B and C will be prevented, and any travel of the train C into the loop 6 over the crossing point while train B is in the loop 6, the starting movement of the train C and its speed of progress toward the crossing may be so timed that the movements of the trains in and about the crossing point will be of interest and excitement to the observer and the elfect given as though the train C were intellectually instead of mechanically controlled, as by the calculating skill and good judgment of a human engineer or motorman. As the train C enters the crossing it in turn trips the switch I8 to cut out position so that the train B will be stopped in the event that it should on its return travel on the main track approach the crossing while the train C is still in the loop 6, and train B will be held stopped until switch I8 is again shifted to normal position by the train C.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Figs. 2 and 3, I provide an arrangement which permits of the operation of three trains on the track system in a controlled manner to prevent collisions. As shown, a second insulated rail section I9 is provided in the main trackway loop immediately in rear of the insulated track section II and a second switch device is provided for energizing and deenergizing this insulated rail section. This switch device comprises a switch base or casing 20 on which is pivotally mounted a switch member 2I normally connected by a lead 22 with the plus side of the source of power supply. The switch member 2| is movable into and out of engagement with a contact 23 connected with the rail section I9 by a conductor lead 24, a spring 25 normally serving to maintain the switch member in engagement with contact 23. The free end of the switch member 2| is arranged adjacent the rear end of the insulated rail section II so as to be engaged by a part of a train approaching the crossing and in position to 'be supplied with current by said rail section and moved out of engagement with the contact 23 so as to cut off the supply of current to the rail section I9. By this means so long as a train is at rest on the main track at the near side of the crossing I the rail section I9 will be deenergized to stop a train in rear thereof and prevent a rear end collision between such train and the standing train. Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of the parts when three trains B, C and D are traveling on the track, the first train B being indicated as having just traveled from the loop 6 over the crossing I back into the main line and closed the switch I8 to energize track II to permit train C to have power for travel over the crossing from the main line into the loop 6, at which time train C holds switch 2| open to deenergize rail section I9 to stop the train D which is approaching the crossing in rear of the train C and thus prevent a collision between these two trains. This condition will prevail until train C passes beyond switch member 2I and releases the same for engagement with contact 23, at which time train C will be traveling over the crossing and into the loop 6. While train C is still in motion and before it has passed entirely over the crossing rail I9 will be energized, thus allowing train D to travel toward the crossing and into position to be supplied with current by the conductor rail II. The train D can not, however, enter the crossing while train C is traveling thereo-ver, as train C will have thrown the switch I8 to cut out position, so that train D can not be supplied with current by the conductor rail I I until switch I8 is again closed by the travel of train C over the crossing and back into the main line again. Thus while one train B is traversing the loop 6, a second train C approaching the crossing will be held stopped until the train B passes out of loop 6, while, in the event that a third train D approaches the train C while it is standing still such third train will be stopped until the train C in turn passes over the crossing. By the automatic operation of the two switch devices, therefore, the operation of three trains running on one and the same track may be accurately controlled to prevent collisions and in such timed accord and such manner that they appear to be manually controlled instead of mechanically controlled with skill and judgment so as to travel with perfect safety but with an aspect of danger, so as to afford both interest and excitement to the observers.

It will be understood, of course, that the insulated track sections and switch or switches may be supplied initially as parts of the track equipment or may be manufactured and sold as accessories to be installed for use by the owner of an electric train system. In installing such accessory parts the switch or switches may be connected with the transformer or other source of current supply in an obvious manner, While the insulated track sections may be installed by simply substituting them for original track sections in the systerm.

In order to provide for the safe running of trains and against their colliding under all conditions at the intersecting point without the use of complex controls, it is desirable to so construct the cut out device as to prevent any possibility of a train approaching the crossing from the main line, i. e., from the main loop side 5, colliding with a train traveling over the crossing from the return loop back to the main line before the latternamed train can clear the crossing. Such a collision might be possible, unless safeguarded against, in the event that a train, as train B, about tocross the intersection from loop 6-" to loop ii -should close switch [8 and energi-zethe cut out rail section at a time when another train, as train C, traveling toward the crossing from loop 5 strikes the rail H with undiminished speed" at or about the time switch I8 is closed by train B and rail II thus energized, so that the head end of train C might strike the rear end of train B before the latter could clear the crossing. I provide a safeguard against the possibility of a collision under such conditions and without using auxiliary controls by making the rail section l-l of a length slightly exceeding the length of the longest train used in the system, so that evenin the event that the'switch I8 should be closed under such conditions the time required for train C to reach the crossing will be sufficient to allow train B to clear the same.

While the structure disclosed for purposes of exemplifi'cation is preferred, it will, of course, be understood that changes in the form, construc-- tion and arrangement of parts, within the scope oftheappended claims, may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

'What I claim is:

1'. In a toy electrical railway track system having track sections connected by a cross-over, a current. control means including a device arranged and adapted to be engaged and operated in one direction by a train passing over the cross-over from one track section to another to cut off current from a .following train approaching the cross-over in the same direction of travel while the first-named train is traversing the secondnamed track section and to be engaged and operated in the opposite direction by the firstnamed train on its travel over the cross-over in the opposite direction from the second-named track section to the first-named track section to supply current to the following train.

2. In a toy electrical railway track system having track portions connected by a cross-over and conductor rails in said track portions, a conductor rail section in one of the trackway portions arranged adjacent to the crossing electrically insulated from the remainder of the conductor rails, a source of current supply having a conductor for supplying current to the conductor rails exclusive of said insulated section and a separate conductor for supplying current to said insulated section, and a train controlled switch device operated mechanically by a train passing over the crossing in opposite directions for letting on and cutting off the supply of current through the second-named conductor to and from the insulated section.

3. In a toy electrical railway track system having track portions connected by a cross-over and conductor rails in said track portions, a conductor rail section in one of the tralckway portions arranged adjacent to the crossing electrically insulated from the remainder of the conductor rails, a source of current supply having a conductor for supplying current to the conductor rails exclusive of said insulated section and a separate conductor for supplying current to said insulated section, and a train controlled switch device operated mechanically by a train passing over the crossing in opposite directions for letting on and cutting off the supply of current through the second-named conductor to and from the insulated section.

4. In a toy electrical railway track system having track portions connected by a cross-over andcond-uctorrails in" said track portions, a conductor rail? section in one of the trackway portions arranged adjacent" to the crossing electricallyinsulated from the remainder of the conductor rails, a source of'current supply having a conductor 'for supplying current'to the conductor ra-i-ls exclusive of said insulated section and a separate conductorfor supplying current to said insulated section, and a pivotally mounted, oppcsitel-y swinging train controlled switch device operatedmechanically by'a train passing over the crossing in opposite direction for letting on and cutting ofi' the supply" of current through the second-named conductor to and from the insulated section.

5; In a toy electrical railway track system having track portions connected by a cross-over and conductor rails in said track portions, a conductor rail section in one of the trackway portions arranged adjacentto the crossing electrically insulated from the remainder of the conductor rails, a source of current supply having a conductor for supplying current to the conductor rails exclusive of said insulated section and a separate conductor-for supplying current to'said insulated section, and a pivotally mounted, oppositelyswinging train controlled switch device operated mechanically by a train passing over the crossing inopposite directions for letting on and cutting off the supply of'current through the second-named conductor to and from the insulated section.

6. In a train control means for toy electrical railway track systems having looped track sections connected by a cross-over, a current control device adapted to be engaged and successively operated by a train on entering one loop section and leaving the same loop section to respectively cut off and let on the supply of current to a following train traveling on another loop Section.

7. In a train control means for toy electrical railway track systems having looped track portions connected by a cross-over, and a power rail in said track portions, a power rail section in one loop positioned adjacent said cross-over and insulated from the remainder of the power rail, and a switch device adapted to be successively engaged and operated by a train passing over the cross-over from the loop containing the insulated power rail section to the other loop and back again from the second-named loop to the first-named loop to respectively out ofi and let on the supply of current to said insulated power rail section.

8. In a toy electrical railway train control system, a track having a main portion and a return branch portion connected therewith by a crossing connection, a power rail in said track portions having an insulated section in the main track portion adjacent to the crossing connection, and a switch adapted to be mechanically operated in opposite directions by a train entering the branch track portion from the main track portion to cut off the supply of current from a source of current to the insulated rail section and on leaving the branch track portion for travel back to the main track portion to let on thesupply of current from the source to the insulated track section.

9. In a toy electrical railway train control system, a track having a main portion and a return branch portion connected therewith by a crossing connection, a power rail in said main track portion having a pair of insulated sections one in rear of the other adjacent to the crossing connection, a switch device adapted to be mechanically operated in opposite directions by a train passing in opposite directions over the crossing respectively on entering and leaving the branch portion to respectively deenergize and energize the insulated power rail section next adjacent the crossing, and a switch device adapted to be operated by a train in position for cooperation with said power rail section next adjacent the crossing to deenergize or energize the other insulated power rail section.

10. In a toy electric train system having a trackway provided with a crossing connecting two track sections and a third rail conductor, an insulated conductor section arranged in said rail at one side of the crossing, and a switch adapted to mechanically operate in opposite directions by trains passing back and forth over said crossing and respectively on leaving and entering one and the same track section to connect the insulated rail section with and disconnect it from a source of current, the said insulated rail section being of a length greater than the length of the longest train traveling the trackway.

11. In a train control means for toy electrical railway track systems having track portions connected by a cross-over, and a power rail in said track portions, a power rail section in one track portion positioned adjacent said cross-over and insulated from the remainder of the power rail, and a switch device adapted to be successively engaged and operated by a train passing over the cross-over from the track portion containing the insulated power r-ail section to the other track portion and back again from the second-named track portion to the first-named track portion to respectively out 01f and let on the supply of current to said insulated power rail section.

12. In a toy electrical railway train control system, a track having a main portion and a return branch portion connected therewith by a crossing connection, a power rail in said main track portion having a pair of insulated sections arranged one in rear of the other adjacent to the crossing connection, a switch device adapted to be engaged and diversely operated by trains passing in opposite directions over the crossing and operative in one position to close a circuit from a source of current to the insulated power rail section next adjacent the crossing and in the other position to cut ofi the supply of current therefrom, and a switch device normally supplying current from the source to the following insulated power rail section and adapted to be operated by a train arranged in position to be supplied by current from the insulated power rail section next adjacent the crossing to cut off the supply of current to said following insulated power rail section.

EDWIN P. S. NEWMAN. 

